State Sen. Michael Johnston, D-Denver, speaks in the Colorado Senate chamber at the State Capitol in favor of Senate Bill 33, which would allow the children of illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition, on Feb. 22, 2013. (Daniel Petty, The Denver Post)

A bill that would allow illegal immigrants to attend college at in-state tuition rates passed the Colorado Senate with a historic vote Monday, the first time any Republicans had ever voted for the bill.

Senate Bill 33 passed the Democratic-led Senate on a 23-12 vote, with three Republicans voting in favor. The bill now can go to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass and possibly pick up a few GOP votes there as well.

"We are now going to be able to reward young people who have played by the rules," said state Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, a co-sponsor of the bill. "They are now going to be able to give back."

The bill allows students who have attended a Colorado high school for at least three years, and who have graduated, to attend public colleges and universities at the in-state tuition rate regardless of their immigration statuses.

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